Romaine Sawyers felt it was a case of staying patient as Brentford secured passage through to the Second Round of the Carabao Cup with an extra-time win over AFC Wimbledon at The Cherry Red Records Stadium last night. The hosts took a first-half lead through Paul Robinson before Romaine equalised with a fine effort 20 minutes from time. Dean Smith’s side couldn’t find a way through in normal time but a first Bees goal for Ollie Watkins and a first senior goal for Justin Shaibu in the extra 30 minutes wrapped up the win.

“We controlled the game in the first-half,” said Romaine, speaking to iFollow after the game. “We were obviously disappointed to go in 1-0 down but we said at half-time that we were doing the right things and just needed a bit of luck to get us over the line. Once we got back into the game we never looked like we were going to concede. We controlled it and the only time they looked like creating chances was through our own downfall. There are a lot of positives to take from the game. We had to be patient and it showed that, when we are patient, we can score three goals. I am all about the team but I was happy to score because it is something that I need to add to my game.”

Romaine was one of ten changes from Saturday’s 1-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat to Sheffield United, meaning Dean Smith has given minutes to every fit first-team player over the opening four days of the season. Romaine was really encouraged by how well the team gelled last night and feels there’s real competition for places throughout the group right now.

“We weren’t getting comfortable last year but we now know that there are people behind us, with quality, who can take our place,” admitted Romaine. “It shows strength in depth. We made however many changes and still looked like a team. As long as we have all got competition that is only going to help us reach our goal. We haven’t added for addings sake. We have added for different reasons. Everyone has their own role to play.”

Romaine feels the summer additions of Ollie Watkins and Kamohelo Mokotjo have given an added dimension to The Bees midfield and will allow Dean to pick a midfielder group that is suited to each and every individual challenge that will arise over the coming season.

“When you win 3-1 and there are so many positives there’s always a chance of being involved at the weekend,” said Romaine. “The gaffer is now going to pick a team that has the quality to beat Nottingham Forest. We are not picking a team for the team’s sake. We can look at the opposition and think about which players will be good in this game and which will be good in another game.”